Enjoy 'Hot Pots/Cool Art,' other art and 'Barb's Que'

The “Hot Pots/Cool Art” fundraiser is a family-friendly event centering on the ceramic arts, specifically the Raku technique. It will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Road.

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Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

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Posted Oct. 5, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Updated Oct 5, 2012 at 4:52 PM

Posted Oct. 5, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Updated Oct 5, 2012 at 4:52 PM

Oak Ridge, Tenn.

The "Hot Pots/Cool Art" fundraiser is a family-friendly event centering on the ceramic arts, specifically the Raku technique. It will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Road.

It features a public raku firing, a silent auction of works in painting, printing, jewelry and enameling by area artists, arts demonstrations, hands-on "make and take" activities, and the opportunity to watch numerous regional artists at work and tour the Art Center galleries.

The public raku firing enables everyone to become raku artists for a day. Participants may purchase pieces that have been created by instructors and students and bisque fired (the initial firing to "set" the clay). They then choose the colorants, glaze the pieces, and walk them through the three-step firing process.

During the waiting phases of these activities, participants may engage in other activities such as the silent auction of finished artwork, including the "trash can surprise;" check out the brown bag surprises (a version of the traditional "grab bag"); create enamels for earrings or a key chain; create personal greeting cards; and more. Many artists will be on hand to demonstrate techniques or work with people to create their own projects.

The "Hot Pots/Cool Art" Auction will end at 3 p.m. Saturday, when the winners will be declared — it will not be necessary for winners to be present to win. There is no admission to attend or observe.

For Art Center members and their guests, a preview party tonight will offer a chance to have first-choice in selecting pieces and a time to get them glazed and fired before the general public comes on Saturday.

As the Art Center begins its' 60th year, this Hot Pots is bound to have a special flavor, Director Leah Marcum-Estes said.

While people "smoke' their pots, they can enjoy the smoke of a different fire. Stumbo's Jumbos will offer lunch with a tasty array of hot dogs or chili dogs for the "Hot Pots" traditionalist. However, if you're interested in more, this year the menu expands to include "Barb's Que" and will include chicken and ribs from 11 a.m. to closing.

To get in on the action, call your friends, come down, and see the excitement of Bring in this article and get 5 percent off the purchase of bisqued pieces to be fired.

Page 2 of 2 - For more information, call the Art Center at (865) 482-1441 or check out the FaceBook page or website. The Art Center is funded in part by the Tennessee Legislature through the Tennessee Arts Commission.